JBL MS-2,,, as a inline DSP?

[Roland 10+ year member]

So my son likes the way the JBL MS-2 that iv'e been using for the past 2 months sounds. Hedoesn't want to spend the money on a MS-8 right now so wants to try and put a MS-2 in, but he whats to install it like a permanent DSP, between his HU and amp like a normal DSP. (standard 2 way no sub) I'm not sure the best way for him to try this so i have a couple of questions.

1. Would there be any problem using a male RCA to male 3.5 wire, from the HU to the MS-2? (i think its 4 volts out of the HU)

2. Would he need a line driver or something between the MS-2 and the amp? he would have to split the signal for the 4 amp inputs?

I assume the voltage out of the MS is about the same as a cell phone.

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[Roland 10+ year member]

I'm thinking this should work out of the MS-2.

https://www.amazon.com/Cadence-Acoustics-CXR7-Electronic-Crossover/dp/B00EW4QLVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481576354&sr=8-1&keywords=line+driver

Any Opinions? he would have $80 into it

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

So my son likes the way the JBL MS-2 that iv'e been using for the past 2 months sounds. Hedoesn't want to spend the money on a MS-8 right now so wants to try and put a MS-2 in, but he whats to install it like a permanent DSP, between his HU and amp like a normal DSP. (standard 2 way no sub) I'm not sure the best way for him to try this so i have a couple of questions.
1. Would there be any problem using a male RCA to male 3.5 wire, from the HU to the MS-2? (i think its 4 volts out of the HU)

2. Would he need a line driver or something between the MS-2 and the amp? he would have to split the signal for the 4 amp inputs?

I assume the voltage out of the MS is about the same as a cell phone.

the output voltage is likely the same as the input voltage - 1.3V. a line driver isn't necessary since the amplifier should accept a 1V input (most accept a 0.2V input).

some 4 channel amps have the option of using just 2 inputs for all 4 channels. if his amp doesn't have that option, then you'll need a Y-adapter.

the only thing adding a line driver will do is allow for a lower amp gain setting, but you're still adding gain and line drivers can be noise sources. it's worth trying without the line driver and seeing if the system is quiet enough.

it's likely his head unit has more than 1.3V outputs so he won't be able to use full HU volume. There are some FMOD attenuators (Parts Express sells them) that would reduce the signal into the MS-2 to allow for more HU volume range.

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

the output voltage is likely the same as the input voltage - 1.3V. a line driver isn't necessary since the amplifier should accept a 1V input (most accept a 0.2V input).
some 4 channel amps have the option of using just 2 inputs for all 4 channels. if his amp doesn't have that option, then you'll need a Y-adapter.

the only thing adding a line driver will do is allow for a lower amp gain setting, but you're still adding gain and line drivers can be noise sources. it's worth trying without the line driver and seeing if the system is quiet enough.

it's likely his head unit has more than 1.3V outputs so he won't be able to use full HU volume. There are some FMOD attenuators (Parts Express sells them) that would reduce the signal into the MS-2 to allow for more HU volume range.

Great info thanks